THE BOSS BABY: FAMILY BUSINESS
US, 2021, 107 minutes, Colour.
Voices of: Alec Baldwin, James Marsden, Amy Sedaris, Ariana Greenblatt, Jeff Goldblum, Eva Longoria, James McGrath, Jimmy Kimmel, Lisa Kudrow.
Directed by Tom McGrath.
In 2017, worldwide audiences enjoyed the animation comedy (with some bite), The Boss Baby. Alec Baldwin voiced Ted, the precocious adult child, jealous of his brother Tim, taking control of everything, creating all kinds of mischief. The character was offbeat and offered a tantalising comedy about a baby enjoying bossing everyone, relishing his malicious attitudes and behaviour.
Director of the first film, Tom McGrath, contributed to the story line of this sequel, four years later. Can the formula work again? Work well?
Not only does Alec Baldwin take up his character, Ted, there is a new boss baby in the next generation, Tina, voiced by Amy Sedaris, who is as bad as her uncle! And, for further complication, this time there is a mad scientist, Dr Armstrong, voiced by Jeff Goldblum, who wants to get rid of all the adults so that the world is a world of boss babies. Dr Armstrong is able to create an adult appearance, but is a mean-minded baby inside.
Obviously, lots of complications here. But, maybe, the trouble is there are too many complications. Ted has grown up and is alienated from the family. Tim, his nice brother (James Marsden) has his own family – but, with potential danger, his daughter Tina part of the takeover by baby bosses. And, Dr Armstrong has a plan to get rid of all adults in 24 hours. Poor Tim is reduced to Baby’s Eyes and kept as hostage as is his nice daughter, Tabatha (Ariana Greenblatt).
Meantime, for older audiences chuckles, the grandparents turn up at various times – TVs Jimmy Kimmel and Lisa Kudrow.
Actually, the plot is quite complicated, adults having to pay attention to see who is who (and at what age) and what each is doing to whom! And where Dr Armstrong fits in. And how poor Tim is mistaken for a baby, not recognised for the doting father that he is.
And, it is all presented in lavish (one might’s be tempted to say garish) bright colours sets and costumes. It is something like being offered lollies, sweets, candy, more than we can take and then being offered once more lollies, sweets, candy – all brightly coloured.
Children will probably enjoy the shenanigans even if they could not give a plot summary and analysis afterwards. Adults who enjoyed the first one – maybe!
